Cheesy Hawaiian Roll Sliders with Garlic Butter

Name: Cheesy Hawaiian Roll Sliders
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 18 min
Total time: 23 min
Ingredients: 12 sweet Hawaiian rolls; 8 –10 slices cheddar cheese (or more for extra cheesy sliders); 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened); 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)

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Cheesy Hawaiian Roll Sliders are the ultimate combination of soft, sweet rolls and gooey, melty cheese. With a buttery garlic topping and a quick bake in the oven, they are simple to make yet indulgent enough to please kids and adults alike.

Perfect for game day, potlucks, lunchboxes, or a last-minute snack, these sliders are quick to assemble and highly versatile. You can customize the cheese, add cooked meats like ham or pulled chicken, or serve them alongside marinara sauce, tomato soup, or ranch dressing.

Their small, handheld size makes them ideal for sharing, and the soft Hawaiian rolls paired with melted cheddar deliver the perfect bite every time.

Sliders have long been a staple in American casual dining and party fare. They are celebrated for their portability, portion control, and adaptability. Hawaiian rolls, with their soft, sweet crumb, elevate simple cheese sliders into a slightly more gourmet snack without adding complexity.

The combination of cheddar cheese and garlic butter adds richness and flavor while maintaining simplicity. Recipes like this one have become increasingly popular for family-friendly meals, entertaining, and holiday appetizer spreads because they are quick, visually appealing, and universally loved.

Appeal

These Cheesy Hawaiian Roll Sliders appeal to a broad audience.

Kids: Small, soft, cheesy, and fun to eat
Adults: Flavorful and satisfying, perfect for casual entertaining
Entertainers: Easy to make in batches and customizable
Meal Prep Enthusiasts: Bake and serve with minimal cleanup

They are a solution for occasions that require something impressive but easy. A few minutes of prep and a short bake yield sliders that look and taste like a restaurant appetizer without any complicated steps.

Flavor Profile

The flavor of these sliders balances savory, buttery, and slightly sweet.

Hawaiian rolls: Soft, slightly sweet, tender
Cheddar cheese: Sharp, melty, and rich
Garlic butter: Savory, aromatic, and lightly herbaceous

This combination results in a snack that is indulgent but balanced, with sweetness from the rolls complementing the savory cheese and garlic butter. Optional herbs like parsley add a hint of freshness to the rich flavors.

Why This Recipe Works

Flavor Layering

The recipe layers flavor without complexity:

Sweet Hawaiian rolls provide a soft base.
Cheddar adds richness and umami.
Garlic butter infuses the sliders with aromatic depth.

Technique

Slicing the rolls vertically ensures that each slider is evenly coated with garlic butter and cheese. Baking them together allows the cheese to melt uniformly and the butter to soak into the bread, creating a cohesive, indulgent bite.

Cooking Logic

The high heat of the oven ensures that the cheese melts fully while the top becomes slightly golden. Flipping or broiling at the end creates an optional crispy finish, satisfying those who like contrast in texture.

Recipe Info

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 18 minutes

Total Time: 23 minutes

Yield: 6 servings

Category: Snack / Appetizer / Lunch

Cuisine: American / Party Food

Ingredient Breakdown

Hawaiian Rolls

Soft, slightly sweet rolls are essential for these sliders. They create a tender base that contrasts with melty cheese. Use fresh rolls for best texture.

Cheddar Cheese

Cheddar provides sharpness and meltability. Combining with mozzarella or provolone is optional for extra gooeyness.

Butter

Softened unsalted butter is used to make the garlic butter mixture. It melts during baking, soaking the rolls for added flavor.

Garlic Powder

Garlic powder gives a savory kick without overpowering the cheese. Fresh minced garlic is optional but may brown quickly if baked.

Oregano & Parsley

Dried oregano adds mild herbiness, while fresh parsley brings a pop of color and brightness. Both enhance the overall flavor profile.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper if desired.

Step 2: Make Garlic Butter

In a small bowl, mix softened butter, garlic powder, dried oregano, and chopped parsley (optional). Stir until fully combined.

Step 3: Slice Rolls

Slice each Hawaiian roll into thirds vertically.

Step 4: Spread Butter

Spread garlic butter evenly on all cut sides of the rolls. Ensure coverage for flavor infusion.

Step 5: Add Cheese

Layer cheddar cheese slices between the rolls, ensuring the cheese covers the bread. Add more cheese if desired.

Step 6: Bake

Arrange sliders on the baking sheet. Bake for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through for even browning.

Step 7: Optional Broil

For extra crispiness, broil for 30–60 seconds, watching carefully to prevent burning.

Step 8: Serve

Serve warm with tomato soup, marinara, or your favorite dip.

Texture and Flavor Profile

Bread: Soft, fluffy, slightly sweet
Cheese: Gooey, melty, savory
Butter: Rich, buttery, aromatic
Optional herbs: Fresh, bright, lightly crisp

Each bite delivers contrast between soft bread and melty cheese, with garlic butter tying everything together.

Tips for Best Results

Use fresh, high-quality Hawaiian rolls.
Softened butter ensures easy spreading.
Don’t overload with cheese to prevent spillover.
Broil carefully if crisp tops are desired.
Serve immediately for best texture.

Variations

Combine cheddar with mozzarella or provolone for extra melty sliders.
Add ham, turkey, or cooked bacon for protein.
Sprinkle red pepper flakes for a mild kick.
Use gluten-free rolls for dietary restrictions.
Add caramelized onions for sweetness.

Serving Suggestions

As an appetizer for game day or parties
Kid-friendly lunch with veggies on the side
Paired with tomato soup for a cozy meal
Cut into smaller portions for finger food

Storage and Reheating

Store sliders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5–7 minutes or until warmed through. Avoid microwaving for extended periods to preserve bread texture.

Nutrition Overview

Per serving (approximate):

Calories: 210 kcal
Carbohydrates: 20 g
Protein: 8 g
Fat: 12 g
Saturated Fat: 7 g
Fiber: 1 g
Sugar: 4 g

These sliders are indulgent yet portion-controlled, making them suitable for snacks, lunches, or party platters.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, assemble and store in the refrigerator. Bake before serving for best results.

Can I freeze them?

Freeze fully assembled but unbaked sliders for up to 1 month. Bake directly from frozen with an extra 5–10 minutes.

Can I use other cheeses?

Yes, mozzarella, provolone, or a blend of cheeses work well.

Are they suitable for kids?

Absolutely. The soft bread and melty cheese make them kid-friendly.

Cheesy Hawaiian Roll Sliders are a versatile, crowd-pleasing snack or meal. Their combination of sweet rolls, savory cheese, and garlic butter creates a comforting, indulgent bite that is quick to assemble and easy to serve.

Perfect for parties, game days, lunchboxes, or casual dinners, these sliders are a recipe you’ll return to again and again. They’re simple, satisfying, and endlessly customizable.